Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 5-1 Luton Town (Premier League)

Manchester City continue to put pressure on Liverpool and Arsenal as they racked up some needed goals in a 5-1 thrashing of Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.

Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol all scored, as the Sky Blues started to chip away at Arsenal’s comfortable lead in goal difference. 

City opened the scoring inside the first 90 seconds when Erling Haaland’s shot deflected off the face of Daiki Hashioka and into the net for an own goal. It was a chaotic start that saw Haaland and others unable to take advantage of their chances.

Haaland had an opportunity to double the hosts’ lead in the 18th minute when De Bruyne lofted a ball to the far post. The Norwegian striker slid for a tap-in, reminiscent of his goal against Manchester United last season, but his effort went high and wide.

The dominant and controlled display continued for the remainder of the half. The defending Premier League champions prevented Luton Town from even attempting a shot in the first half. 

City finally grabbed their insurance goal in the 64th minute when Matteo Kovacic scored with an impressive volley from the edge of the box. 

Luton Town had their first shot in the 66th minute when Cauley Woodrow’s shot slammed against the crossbar. It came against the run play, when Josko Gvardiol was unable to win the ball off of a Luton attacker.

The dagger goal came in the 76th minute, when Erling Haaland converted from the penalty spot. It was a well taken penalty that nestled into the bottom left corner. 

City were awarded the penalty when Jeremy Doku was taken down by Luton defender after beating him with a lovely bit of skill.

Luton Town got their goal in the 81st minute when Ross Barkley took advantage of Matheus Nunes’ error. 

However, Manchester City responded with two late goals. Jeremy Doku had an excellent finish after beating his man with skill off the dribble, and Josko Gvardiol scored another goal from outside of the box.

Here are the player ratings from the treble winners’ dominant display against Luton Town.

Player Ratings:

Ederson – 7

For most of the match it was one of the least involved performances of the season. Made an excellent kick-save late, wasn’t at fault for the goal. 

Rico Lewis – 8

Felt like he was the metronome for the right side of the pitch. Rarely put a foot wrong all match, like always. The epitome of control. 

Ruben Dias – 8

Excellent in the build-up, had the most touches by a wide margin and spent more time at the edge of the box then anywhere else on the pitch.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Wasn’t as involved in the build-up, but still solid nonetheless.

Josko Gvardiol – 8.5

Continues to look the part. Yet another brilliant goal too!

Matheus Nunes – 6

Never looks great against low blocks, wasn’t terrible but the touch to give upon the goal was really sloppy. He will be better.

Mateo Kovacic – 8.5

Everything you could have wanted in a Rodri-replacement performance, even down to the goal. 

Julian Alvarez – 8

Was a little quiet at times, but was good in possession and the ball to Kovacic was great. 

Kevin De Bruyne – 9.5 (MOTM)

Some poor finishing will render this performance as forgotten, but De Bruyne was absolutely excellent.  

Jeremy Doku – 9

Continues to look better and better after each performance. Finally gets some space on the counter and scores a lovely goal. 

Erling Haaland – 7

Glad he got his goal, but the finishing needs to be fixed. ASAP.

Substitutes:

Oscar Bobb – 7

Sergio Gomez – 6